Iran warns of “firm response” to military transit through Strait of Hormuz
Iran warns of 'firm response' to military transit through Strait of Hormuz TEHRAN - Iran said any military vessel attempting to move through the Strait of Hormuz would meet a "firm and decisive response," in a statement issued...
Iran warns of ‘firm response’ to military transit through Strait of Hormuz
TEHRAN – Iran said any military vessel attempting to move through the Strait of Hormuz would meet a “firm and decisive response,” in a statement issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.
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The IRGC said it exercises “full and intelligent control” over the strategic waterway, adding that passage is allowed only for non-military ships and only under defined regulations.
It also rejected reports that US vessels had crossed the strait, insisting that any move by military ships would trigger a “strong confrontation.”
The warning came as Iran, the United States and Pakistan continue trilateral talks in Pakistan, with matters tied to the Strait of Hormuz ranking among the most significant issues on the agenda.
The comments followed reports that several US Navy ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, the first such transit since the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran on 28 February.
A US official confirmed the move, Axios reported, and said the passage was not coordinated with Iran.
Mine clearance mission
At the same time, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces had begun preparing the Strait of Hormuz for mine clearance, with two US Navy guided-missile destroyers carrying out operations.
USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) crossed the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Gulf as part of a wider effort to ensure the waterway is free of sea mines previously laid by Iran’s IRGC.
“Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce,” Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, said.
The Strait of Hormuz is an international shipping lane and a critical trade artery for regional and global economic activity.
More US assets, including underwater drones, are expected to join the clearance operation in the coming days.
SOURCE: TRT World & Agencies